HEALTH HINTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 211, 4 September 1909, Page 13

HEALTH HINTS.

CHILBLAINS. •'-**•-. Chilblains are most common amongst those persons whose circulation is weak and slow, hence children and old people are most subject to them. They are of an inflammatory nature, and are induced by sudden changes from heat or cold or the reverse. Thoy begin with a reddish swelling, inclining to purple, which gives rise to an intolerable itching. This swelling increases, and forms a blister, which in time breaks and ulcerates. Whilst the chilblains are yet unbroken, they should be rubbed with a lotion containing equal, parts of alum and sulphate of zinc, half an ounce of spirits of wine, and four ounces of water. An ointment composed of on ounce of lanoline 'with two drachms of ■wintergreen oil is also recommended. Heat will relieve the itching when it becomes unbearable, and this may be applied either by holding tha hand or foot a* near the fire as can be borne, withdrawing it and repeating the process, or by steaming the affected part in water as hot as can be endured, the part being either allowed to cool in the air or dipped into cold water before replunging it into the hot water. If the latter plan be adopted, the part should be carefully and thoroughly dried without rubbing. A dusting powder, which is useful in soothing the irritation, may be composed of two parts of borio acid, one part of powdered talc, one part of starch, and a little menthol. Broken chilblains are mora difficult to deal with, and are best treated by the application of ointments, such as the simple carbolic acid ointment. They should be kept very clean, and care should be taken that no dirt gets into the wound, or more serious consequences may result. Painting with flexible collodion will often prevent a chilblain from breaking, even at a very advanced stage. The best means of preventing chilblains is, of course, the improvement of the circulation, and also the avoidance of pressure. A mere examination of the points at which chilblains always occur is sufficient to prove how much stoppage of the circulation has to do with this painful affection. Tight boots, gloves, cuffs, and garters should all be avoided. Plenty of exercise should be taken, and as soon as any sensation of chilliness is felt a brisk walk or violent exercise of some sort should be at once indulged in. Children who are subject to chilblains should be encouraged to skip and run, and they should wear warm, loose clothing and woollen gloves and stockings. Hands and feet when cold should be warmed by exercise, and not by placing by the fire. After washing, the hands should be thoroughly dried, and then - rubbed vigorously with a dry, rough towel. It is a good plan to make a habit of spending a few minutes every morning before breakfast in the performance of some simple exercise, so that the day may begin with the circulating system in proper working order. —Exchange,